Children and Young People Policy

Elswick Parish Church (St Stephen and St Paul), Newcastle upon Tyne, recognizes all people owe their existence to God and are dependent upon him for their preservation each day.

The Church acknowledges mankind was created in and as the image of God and that, from conception to the grave, all people are to be shown care, love and respect.

The Church recognizes all people are accountable to God for all they think, say and do, including the way they treat others.

The Church shall provide a safe and welcoming environment for children and young people who take part in the life of the church.

The Church, through its officers, shall identify those who will take responsibility for work with children and young people in the church, at least one of whom must be a current member of the PCC.

The Church shall ensure all leaders and helpers with access to children and young people have the appropriate certificate of Disclosure of Criminal Convictions, and undertake appropriate training.

The Church acknowledges that being convicted or bound over for a criminal offence does not automatically debar an individual from working with children and young people but it shall ensure, through its officers, that due care is taken when consideration is given to the appointment of any person who has been convicted or bound over for an offence.

The Church shall authorize children’s and young people’s activities carried out on behalf of the PCC and receive an annual report from the leaders.

The Church shall support, resource and monitor the work of leaders.

The Church shall maintain records of Information, Health and Parental Consent forms.

The Church shall make available to all church members and young people the contact address of a local independent person who will give advice on Child Protection issues.

The Church shall follow current best practice for appropriate health and safety procedures.

This policy and its implementation shall be reviewed by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) each year.

This policy was first adopted by the PCC of Elswick Parish Church (St Stephen and St Paul) at a meeting held on 17 September 2012 and is reviewed (and revised as necessary) each year in December.